Just got an email from my mom saying I should identify the fact that it is indeed me — Sarah Allen — and Ken Olson, editor and publisher respectively of Barista Magazine, who are writing this blog account of the 2009 Nordic Barista Cup.

Now that’s a competition! The back to the basics theme really got things started this morning with a very cool competition unlike any I’ve ever seen. And in an interesting twist, the attendees joined the teams in the challenge: build a primitive roaster and grinder, and roast and grind coffee.